Chinese New Year is more than a month away, but members of

Chinese New Year is more than a month away, but members of the Asian community in San Francisco said it wasn’t too early to celebrate Monday, especially a new member of the community elected to the Board of Supervisors.

Former SF school board member Norman Yee — a Chinese-American — will be sworn in as a member of the Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

He will bring the total number of Asian-Americans on the board to a record five out of eleven seats. Four out of those five are Chinese-American.

“I think it’s about time,” said San Francisco voter Suzan Yee. “It’s great to have this representation.”

This historic change reflects the current population of San Francisco. Asians make up about one-third of the city’s populace.

Political consultant Jim Ross told KTVU an Asian majority on the Board of Supervisors could mean legislation that will be favorable to many Asian small business and property owners.

“The Chinese candidates really target the Chinese community,” noted Ross.

Mayor Ed Lee, the city’s first Chinese-American in that office, said more Asians are becoming increasingly aware that change comes from participation, whether it be by voting or running for office.

“There’s a whole new generation of people that believe that public policy is where they ought to be,” said Lee.

Newly elected Supervisor Yee said he’ll focus on improving public education and public safety; issues that impact everyone.

“Whatever we do, we can’t forget that we represent everybody in the city, not just Asian-Americans,” said the new supervisor for district 7.

Yee and London Breed are the new supervisors to be sworn-in at noon at City Hall. Supervisors David Campos, Eric Mar, John Avalos and David Chiu won re-election and are also scheduled to take the oath at that time.

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